Activists protest city's panhandling rules

In the end it raised $14.68 and awareness. That is what activists objecting to the city's panhandling ordinance accomplished during their one-hour protest Wednesday in Lincoln Square, across from Police Headquarters.

What they didn't get was a response from police.

While local activist Scott Schaeffer-Duffy called nonresponse by police a victory, Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said police kept watch and found there was no need to educate a group of about 25 people already well-versed in the ordinance's language.

Most of them stood on the sidewalk, while only a few were in the median strip, a violation of the ordinance.

“The victory belongs to the public,” Chief Gemme said from his office after the protest was complete. “Public safety was maintained.”

Activists said the panhandling ordinance that limits the locations at which the activity can take place is social-profiling and hurts the poor of the city.

Buddhist meditation practitioner Robert Peters donned meditation garb and held a beggar's bowl while Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy wore a Franciscan habit and carried a beggar's bowl.

Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said the ordinance limits free speech and hurts the homeless who struggle in this economy to find work. He said the ordinance has 23 different limitations.

He understands there was an issue with public safety concerning “aggressive” panhandlers and people in the streets. There are no complaints on record for either concern, he said.

“These are two problems that just don't exist,” Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said.

Standing on the median strip, Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy held a sign that read, “Alms for the Poor.” The Saint Francis & Therese Catholic Worker sent a letter to police and city officials making them aware of the protest.

They were ready to fight a citation if they received one, but police did not respond. When the ordinance was passed and took effect at the end of January, Chief Gemme said panhandlers would be educated first. The citation can be for up to $50.

As of Wednesday, no citations, summonses had been issued or arrests made.“We know that the group is well aware of the ordinance and that they understand the ordinance,” Chief Gemme said. “It wouldn't have made sense for us to hand out cards or try to provide information.”

Police routinely hand out information to panhandlers about the ordinance along with ways for people to seek help. Chief Gemme said police also ask for voluntary compliance.

During the 1-hour protest there were 21 calls for service. Chief Gemme said no calls were made from the public about the protest. He was not going to divert officers to a peaceful protest when other issues in the city required attention. Several police cruisers went by Lincoln Square during the protest.

“It didn't require any more enforcement action than it received and it didn't receive any,” the chief said.

If anyone acted aggressive or interrupted traffic, police were prepared to respond.

“We are champions of the First Amendment. Our main responsibility is the safety of this community,” City Manager Michael V. O'Brien said. “The process to approve this new ordinance engaged the entire city, allowed all opinions to be heard and it eventually became law. The ordinance is very respectful to free speech. It only prohibits solicitation within roads and medians for the safety of the public.”

Mr. Peters said ultimately the poor were hit hard by the ordinance.

“These types of things inevitable end up in what I told them is social profiling,” he said, as a few drivers honked and cheered.

Gordon T. Davis, 63, of Worcester, stood on the median a few feet away from Mr. Peters. He said the ordinance perpetuated the social shame placed on the poor in need of help.

Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said the ordinance prohibits freedom of religion as well. He said every major religion says it is a good thing to give to beggars and begging is actually a humble act when someone is in need.

When the protest was over, Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy declared victory.

“Any day I don't get arrested is a good day,” he said, cracking a wide grin.